A surge in demand for Scotch whisky in countries where the beverage has
previously struggled for popularity has driven a £870 million increase in
food and drink exports, according to official figures.

The value of Scottish food and drink shipped to foreign markets increased 19 per cent between 2010 and 2011 to a record £5.4 billion. This means an official target to increase exports by a third has been exceeded six years early.

The vast bulk of the total – £4.23 billion – was accounted for by Scotch whisky. This represented a 23 per cent increase in sales of the drink compared to the previous year.

Performance in traditional markets varied between strong growth in Germany (18 per cent) and the US (31 per cent) and a slight fall in Spain (3.4 per cent).

However, the largest increase in sales was recorded in emerging markets for the drink such as Brazil (48 per cent), Singapore (44 per cent) and Taiwan (44.5 per cent).

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), which represents producers, said the drink was starting to be viewed by young people in these countries as a high-end, aspirational beverage.

Food exports also increased, with the amount of Scottish fish and shellfish being shipped abroad rising nine per cent to nearly £1.2 billion. The fruit and vegetable sector experienced a 62.4 per cent increase in exports to £62 million.

Gavin Hewitt, the SWA’s chief executive, said exports have now increased for seven years running and whisky producers will be focusing this year on increasing exports to India, where there is an “onerous” 150 per cent import tariff.

“Despite continuing economic uncertainty, Scotch whisky continues to meet increasing demand from all corners of the globe,” he said.

“It continues to appeal to consumers in countries such as the USA and France and is being enjoyed by younger professionals in newer markets in Asia and Latin America. Securing fair market access and reducing tariffs is a priority for the industry."

The industry has argued that introducing alcohol minimum pricing in Scotland will harm this battle, but the figures show £655 million of whisky was sold in the US last year, making it the top export market.

France was second (£535 million), with Singapore overtaking Spain into third place (£318 million). Spain was fourth (£259 million), South Africa fifth (£166 million) and Taiwan sixth (£155 million).

Brazil was placed ninth with £99 million of sales and Venezuela tenth with £83 million of exports. Michael Moore, the Scottish Secretary, led a trade delegation to Brazil last November.

Including food exports, the three largest markets were France (£289 million), Ireland (£104 million) and Spain (£87 million).

James Withers, chief executive of trade body Scotland Food and Drink, said: “Whisky has been a trailblazer across the globe but our food sector is now following its lead with exports up a staggering 62 per cent in just four years.”

Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Rural Affairs Minister, said: “Food and drink is a Scottish success story at a time when other industries have struggled and economic conditions have been tough.”